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Code of the West

gcreekrch

Well-known member
MT lawmakers discuss "Code of the West," while some already live by itPreviousNextMT lawmakers discuss "Code of the West," while some already live by itSHEPHERD - The "Code of the West" could become the law of the land in Montana.

Earlier this week, the state Senate gave a preliminary "OK" to officially adopt a list of ethics as Montana's code.

Senate Bill 216, sponsored by Senate President Jim Peterson, of Buffalo, passed by a vote of 34-15. It faces one more vote in the Senate before going to the house.

Cowboy Ethics by James P. Owen, suggests living by a code with provisions like "Live each day with courage," "Be tough, but fair" and "Ride for the brand."

The book lists a total of 10 western principles that Montana may soon officially adopt.

As lawmakers in Helena debate whether or not to accept the "Code of the West," it's old news for the Montanans who live by it every day.

The sun is barely up and TJ Casey is already well into his morning as he scoops up hay to feed his horses.

It's a routine he's come to know well, along with a certain code.

"I was raised on the 'Code of the West,'" says Casey. "The respect, the ethics, pride, responsibility, the whole thing just falls together. It's how you treat your fellow man."

It's a mindset and lifestyle Casey hopes to pass on to current and future generations by teaching lessons at schools throughout the nation. Casey has shared Western history with students from as far away as Alaska to Nevada.

In fact, Wednesday morning he stopped by a classroom at a Billings elementary school.

"I teach poetry, western heritage, cowboy culture, but the 'Code of the West' is really important," Casey explains.

According to Casey, there are more than 300 cowboy code principles, but he focuses on five:

1. If it's not yours, don't take it.
2. If it's not true, don't say it.
3. If it's not right, don't do it.
4. Never ever quit.
5. Have respect for yourself, your neighbors, and everything around you.

Casey feels the fifth principle is the most important.

Many of the hundreds of codes are a bit dated, but for the most part the underlying message hasn't changed.

"You never cut a man off on a trail when you're on horseback," Casey says as an example. "Well, guess what? Look at the people that drive nowadays. We got road-rage."

The "Code of the West" is something Casey strongly believes in, but he says politics should stay out of it.

"Most of us back here in the West live by a code. We always have lived by a code," states the Montana native. "We don't need to be told that's how we have to live."

Another person who has a similar outlook to Casey, is the same man who has the power to veto the bill.

Governor Brian Schweitzer has warned that he won't pass legislation that is frivolous or doesn't deal with jobs.

If the bill is passed, Montana will join Wyoming on the list of states that have adopted the code. Wyoming adopted the code last year.
 
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